Spanish Flu Pandemic: video worksheets, differentiated.

This thorough and compelling film draws extensively on first-hand reports of the disease as it ran its course through the belligerent nations of WW1. It covers: the scale of excess deaths; why it was called “Spanish”, and other names world-wide; the four pandemic waves, and their importance. Novelty: healthy young men at most risk, and why. Contemporary suggested origins, including WW1 itself somehow a source of the virus. Movement of soldiers etc enhances spread; armies and governments discuss response. USA most severely affected, including Camp Upton. Troop-ships and medical staff badly affected. Paris Peace Conference causes spike in cases in Paris. Lloyd George and Clemenceau likely to have caught flu there. US delegation weakened by flu, and may have been compromised. President Wilson contracts flu. Apparent permanent changes in his actions. Other famous victims of flu, survivors and those who died (inc. Frederick Trump). World-wide excess death-tolls compared. Government reactions were very varied, from lock-downs and masks, to almost nothing. San Francisco Anti-Mask League. “Under-reporting” and minimisation by press. Lack of scientific knowledge. “Miracle cures” advertised. Experimental treatments and preventions tried. Shortage of nurses: black nurses allowed in US Army. Why has the pandemic been so poorly-remembered? All sources fully cited on the YouTube page.

Find the film by searching YouTube’s The Great War channel for “The Spanish Flu Pandemic (Documentary)”. My link omits a supporter’s message at the end, the film will stop straight after my sheet’s final question if you use my embedded link.

14 questions for the 24-min film (not inc. the omitted message). Differentiated! Both versions look very similar, but “B” version has subtle clues. Questions right up to the end (of my embedded link),** no slack time**! Answer sheet. Very easy to mark. .doc & .pdf for all files. Link to film on all sheets.